Balloon



Aug. 29, 1933. M. FRIEDBERG BALLOON 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed. Sept 21, 1931 Aug. 29, 1933. M. FRIEDBERG BALLOON Filed Sept. 21, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 gwuenko'o (1H0: new

Patented Aug. 29 1933 TES PATENT -OFFICE BALLOON Mayo Friedberg, Chicago, 111.- Application September 21,1931

Serial 10 Claims. (Cl. 40-127) This invention relates to balloons, and more particularly to balloons of the miniature type, as distinguished from lighter-than-air man-carrying craft, dirigibles, and the like, and is adapted for use more especially for either outdoor or indoor advertising, amusement, purposes.

It has usually been the practice in connection to have a string atwith gas-filled toy balloons and decorative tached thereto to be grasped by the hand or held secure by any desirable means, whereby to maintain the balloon under control s any coloring, tising thereon within'the view spectators. As soon as pictorial representation,

0 as to display or adverof the useror the string is released,

however, because of the lighter-than-air gaseous content the balloon will travel skyward and cannot be retrieved by the user; and hence any ad'- vertising function or the possibility -of further amusement or decorative use would thereupon become lost.

It is one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a balloon of this general type, with associated means whereby the balloon tance with respect to the basic surface, 'say, for illustration, l0

when released will assume a predetermined disground or floor or 12 feet, and

will maintain this approximate distance from the basic ground or floor surface, travels to and fro whereby as it (according to air currents) it will be maintained in the aforesaid approximate relation to the end that any the ground or floor surface, to

data on the surface of the balloon will be readily visible to the naked eye. The

balloon thus serves as a floating amusement, or

great many hours, when owing to advertisement,

decorative medium, until after a the permeability of the rubber or other material of which the balloon is made the gaseous lessened and the I pressure will become balloon may be retrieved, if desired, and the gaseous pressure and weights adjusted so that the balloon will again ass'ume'its predetermined distance from the basic ground or floor surface.

It is further contemplated by the inventionto provide a balloon of sideration useful as the character under conan amusement device in the playing of games, and to this end the associated means is so regulated that when the balloon is released it will assume a predetermined distance with respect to the ground or no or surface, say,

for example, approximately three feet, and will maintain this approximate distance from the ground or floor of a child or player, so that hand, or a paddle, bat, stick, or or player may hit the top of surface within convenient reach the use of the the like, the child e balloon, thus forcing it to the ground or floor surface or away from its predetermined height to which it will at once return, when the same operation may be repeated indefinitely, the balloon actingasv a bouncing return ball. Then, again, ifdesired, after regulating the predetermined height of the balloon by the means herein described, to a height suitable for the players who are to use the balloon, it may be batted to and fro and may be' used in substitution of 'a'ball in playing a game similar to base ball or in engaging in ordinary catch ball game. l

In carrying out the principle's of the invention, it is proposed to provide a balloon of venient or desirable shape or design, dependent upon the use; and, by wayof illustration, assuming that it is desired to advertise a loaf of bread, the balloon might takethisconfiguration, or if intended to advertise a cigar it might take the shape of the latter. In other words, the article to be advertised or used as a decorative feature or 'for patrioticdisplay might be-simulated in the particular design of the balloon body.

It is proposed to utilize for the gaseous content containera rubber or'rubberized material or the like, and according to the'use to be made of the balloon, if deemed necessary, also a hous ing or surface'envelope ofleather or other wearresisting fabric to be used in association there'- with. In operative association with the balloon, suitable means is provided for counteracting the buoyancy effect ofthe balloon, which means is regulable or adjustable, whereby according to atmospheric conditions to maintain the approximate predetermined distance i from theground or floor surface. l The. invention will be understood from the de-, scription to follow, when considered in connec-, tion with the accompanying drawings whereinis' illustrated a convenient and satisfactory embodiment of the invention;. although it is to be borne in mind that changes may be made in the design and construction, as theprinciples of the invention.

-In the drawings? 1 r Figure 1 is a perspective of a loaf of bread floating through the air and viewed from the side;

Figure 2 is the bottom;- 1 Figure 3-is an enlarged detail perspective of one of the weight-controlling elements and'associated [parts partially separated one from an other and removed from the balloon proper;

Figure 4 is a'detail section enlarged of the parts illustrated inFigureB, applied to the bottom of the balloon; I

Figure 5 is an elevation of a. portion of the side of the balloon;

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view showing the balloon nipple "and'associated weights positioned therein; and" I r I a similar perspective viewed from the balloon at 1 desired, while carrying out fied form of construction including an exterior casing and interior balloon member proper.

With more particular reference to the drawings, 1 is'a' container conveniently constructed of rubber or rubberized material or the like, which if necessary has associated therewith and egg form of a metal piece such as aluminum or lead, though hard rubber or housing envelope of fabric .or In the teriorly thereof a leather or other Wear-resisting material. embodiment illustrated, represents'a loaf of bread, and may be c'on'ven-' iently colored to correspond with the natural appearance of a loaf of bread, for instance, when baked.

Assuming the device isused for advertising purposes the container 1 .(or associated housing envelope, when this is employed) may have de picted thereon the name of the local bread manu facturer or, dealer ;or. other identifying matter.

As previouslystated, the devicemay take various shapes or forms, according to the uses. For instance, ,ifit is desired toadvertise a base ball or foot ball game, the device will beso made as to assume any such desired shape; and any data desired, according to, the event to be advertised,

p or floor surface will a lighter-than-air gas.

may be appropriately-applied to the outside of the device. i

When used in the playing of a ball game or the like, the shape of the balloon will ordinarily be round,,to simulate a ball. f

In theembodiment of the invention illustrated, the container 1, which in the, illustration, as stated, takes the shape of a loaf of bread, .for

advertising purposes, conveniently has a suitable;

tubular gas inlet or and when the device or balloon is, to be used gas may be supplied through the inlet 2. For this-purpose it is proposed to use hydrogen gas, helium, or a combination of air and either of these gases or any other lighter-than-air gas or combination of air and When the container 1 is filled as desired, the tubular inlet securely in any desired'manner, as by a valve in said inlet 2, or a rubber band or thereto in the customary manner; and likewise, a cord or string or the like may be applied to the inlet nipple of the housing envelope, when such is used, as described below.

' The device as thus far described will be in condition to ascend slzyward and may continue to travel indefinitely unless'resisting means is pro vided; and since one. of the objects of my invention is to maintain the device or balloon in floating relation to the basic. ground or floor surface at an approximately predetermined distance therefrom, means is provided whereby toaccomplish this purpose. And while it is to be understood'thatin ,carryingout this feature of the invention various adjustable or regulatable means may be provided, satisfactory results will be found by the use of means applied to the device, preferably immediately upon its bottom surface, adapted to receive one or more members in the nature of weights, varying in size or weight-characteristics, whereby according to atmospheric and other conditions the particular restraining weight necessary to preserve the predetermined floating distance of the balloon from the ground be employed.

A satisfactory embodiment of this feature of the invention includes apocket adapted to re ceivefweights of different sizes, which conveniently constructed as follows: I

5 isa strip of fabric or tape, having upon one material 5 whereby the same may be readily apthe. container or balloon 2 will be closed string applied balloon will be introduced between 5 and, V H may be severed or if desired retained on the bal- 'ment purposes, the same pocket istape, such as adhesive surface thereof adhesive other substitute may be It will be understood that a plurality of weights of different proportions or weightproperties may be provided, so that according to atmospheric or other conditions the metal piece or pieces having sufficient buoyancy-resisting properties to maintain the balloon at the desired level or. height will be inserted betweenfi and 6 and thereafter, if desired, theadhesive side 6 of the tape 6 may be brought into adhesive con tactwith the tape 5, thereby insuring against accidental displacement: of theweights when the balloon or device is in serviceand tosecurely hold'the weight or weights in place. Should atmospheric conditions, for instance, change-during the use of the balloon, the tape 6 may readily be released from the tape 5, wherebyto add to or remove from the buoyancy-resisting elements.

It is believed preciated from the above description. It willbe understood that the buoyantforce exerted upon the balloon will. be equal to the diiference in weight between the particular gas "employed and the air; and as conditionsin temperature, baremetric pressure, altitude above sea level or. basic ground, etc., vary, so thebuoyant force exerted will vary. The user of the balloon'will estimate or test the weather isting conditions and provided.

apply the appropriate weight or weights between 5 and 6 for instance,

according to the desideratum respecting the height of. the device with relation to the ground or floor surface. U

Assuming the air variations are relatively slight, the; predetermined traveling height of the maintained approximately after proper. adjustmentthrough themedium of the weight attachments, to suit existing conditions, and the device will be projected forwardly or backwardly, thus presenting an attractive and pleasing appearance it will be highly serviceableaseither an advertising device or toy; xAnd assuming there is doubt as to the best weight to be employed tomaintain the deviceat the proper floating level, a string 8 may be attached temporari y to the nipple 2, whereby to maintain the balloon undor control bythe hand of the user until th 6 when the string Icon, for the purpose of retrieving the balloon at any desirable time, particularly if used by thechildasatoy. p a p While the balloon is intended more particularly for outdoor or indoor use in advertising or amusemay and undoubtedly will be of decorative use intheatres, ball rooms, auditoriums, and fields or stadiums;v and it is obvious that when the device is used'for decora-v tive purposes the same maybe of 'any suitable conditions or use under exor for decoration, etc.

that the invention will be .ap-

p-sl

according to air currents; andwhile e appropriateweight has been shape and colored-in anydesired manner or may have appearing thereon pictorial ,representations or other matter, together with slogans, verses and thelike, appropriate for the occasion, as for Christmas, Easter, carnivals, festivals, patriotic displays or gatherings, fraternal organizations, or the like. i

It is understood, of course, that owing to the permeability of the rubber or other gas-retaining material, when the container is filled with hydrogen or begin to lose its buoyancy. It is believed, however, that the device will be maintained at its predetermined height satisfactorily for upwards of fifteen hours; and as the buoyancy decreases, because of permeability, etc., the weights may be correspondingly adjusted. It will be observed that the adhesive tape pocket or pockets provided for the weights is substantially flat and readily conforms to the contour of the surface of the device; and it will be further observed that the weight is desirably flexible, yieldable and flat, whereby the weight also may conform to the contour of the balloon surface, and when in position neither the pocket nor the weight'will constitute any substantial projection or protuberance beyond the normal confines of the device.

If it is desired, a plurality of weight-carrying pockets or receptacles formed by tapes "5 and 6 may be provided, the receptacles containing 'different weights; and, as desired, a plurality of weights may be added and made secure'by bringing the adhesive surface of the tape 5 of the pocket into adhesive contact with the surface of the device. When a plurality. of Weight pockets is thus employed, the same containingproportionate weights or selected sizes, each pocket or receptacle. will constitute an independent unit with its contained weight secured in position, for ready application to the device.

Itis obvious that the weight attachment for maintaining the device at the desired predetermined elevation may take different forms, and as illustrated more particularly in Figures 6 and 8, in lieu of the adhesive tape pockets, as above described, for the reception oi the buoyancy control weights, it is possible to utilize the body of the nipple 2 for the reception of weights as desired. To this end, of course, the nipple would-be closed by a string or the like; firstly, after having been filled with gas, and secondary, after the insertion of the weight or weights therein The said-string is indicated by the numerals 9, 9*, respectively, and the weight by the numeral 10. Also, if desired, the weight 10 may be used in the pocket formed by the nipple. as supplemental to the weight or weights carried by the pockets formed by the adhesive tapes; and this makes possible a ready adjustment of the weights, if desired, rather than removal of the adhesive tapes 6 for adjustment of the weights to be used in association with the latter.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention,

the wall of the device is of such a character as to make unnecessary a separate internal gas-receiving container; but, if desired, a separate gas container may be utilized, the nipple in this ,in-

stance being of such a size as to provide for insertion and removal of the gas container. This embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures '7 and 8, in which the gas container, per se, is illustrated at 11, the outer casing being constructed and having the weight-receiving or weight-attaching characteristics as herein above described.

What I claim is:

1. A balloon of the miniature type described,

having a weight-receiving pocket on the wall thereof adapted for the reception of different sized weights, and weight means for said pocket for the like the device will eventually maintaining the balloon at 'a predetermined distance from the ground or basic surface.

2. A lighter-than-air gas-containingballoon of the miniature type described, and means positioned within substantially the normal confines of the body. of the buoyant effect of the gas to the extent of maintaining the balloon at an approximately predetermined distance from the floor surface.

3. In a lighter-than-air gas balloon, the combination of varying weights, and a receiving pocket common to the weights of difierent sizes, and means whereby the pocket may be closed when the weights are in position. 1 I

4. In a device of the character described, the combination of a balloon adapted to contain lighter-than-air gas, the balloon having on'its balloon for counteracting the outer surface a substantially flat weight-receiving I flat weight adapted to be positioned in said pocket.

6.- A lighter-than-air gas balloon of the-character described, having a gas-inlet nipple, means for closing the nipple against the escape of gas, the nipple projecting beyond said means whereby to constitute a pocket for the reception of a weight or weights of a consistency to overcome the rising effect of the balloon andmaintain the latter at a: predetermined elevation; and means for closing. the outer end of the nipple to maintain the weight.

or weights therein. V

"I. A lighter-than-air gas balloon of the character described having means on its surface for the reception of a removable weight, means for securing the weight in place when applied, and an airinlet nipple for the balloon forming a pocket for the addition of a weight; as desired.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination of a balloon adapted to contain lightenthan-air gas, the balloon having on its outer surface a substantially flat weight-receiving pocket whereby to offer substantially no obstruction beyond the normal confines thereof, and the said balloon having a nipple constructed to form a weight-receiving p opposite ends of said pocket.

ocket, and closing means for 9. In a lighter-than-air gas balloon of the character described having an inlet nipple projecting therefrom, said nipple being a weight-receiving pocket, a weight or weights in than-airgas container, and an outer casing, and

means positioned on the casing and acting automatically to counteract the buoyant effect of the gas to extend or maintain the balloon substantially constant at an approximately predetermined distance from the ground or 'floor'surface.

MAYO FRIEDBERG.

constructed to form 

